Pep Guardiola admits he will be shocked if Ange Postecoglou abandons ‘aggressive’ attacking style for Tottenham’s trip to Man City as he heaps praise on Australian
- Manchester City welcomes Tottenham to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
- Both sides have an attacking philosophy and stick to their approach
- The pressure on Man United boss Erik ten Hag is decreasing: just listen It all starts
Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City would be surprised if Ange Postecoglou abandoned his principles for a result on Sunday.
The City boss predicts a goal-fest when injury-ravaged Tottenham visit the Etihad Stadium, opening their first meeting with Postecoglou in 2019.
The pair found themselves in opposition dugouts during pre-season when the Australian was manager of City's Japanese sister club, Yokohama F. Marinos.
Guardiola was effusive in his praise for Postecoglou that evening and sees the same philosophy already implemented at Spurs.
“Absolutely not,” he said when asked if Tottenham could change to become more defensive. 'It would be a surprise.
Pep Guardiola believes Tottenham will continue with their attacking approach against Man City
The Spaniard has admired the work of Ange Postecoglou since his time in Japan
'I met him a few pre-seasons ago when we played Yokohama and Ange was manager. I've seen some games and I said, “Wow, there's stuff I like.”
'I told the players that we will (then) encounter a good team that can challenge us. I've been following him ever since. He did so well in Glasgow when Celtic were winning trebles and now in a short time at Spurs he is there.
'In a relatively short space of time, even in the games they haven't won recently, I've been impressed with how well they're doing in a lot of things – how many chances they're creating, how aggressive they're being in all departments. He came here and in a few months you will recognize his team perfectly.'
Guardiola added: 'I think he makes football a better place because I am also a spectator and I really enjoy watching them with the approach they have. All Spurs fans and people in England can admit that the impact has been significant.”
City are likely to have John Stones available to strengthen the squad as he continues his comeback from injury, with Mateo Kovacic also in contention.
Spurs have given Guardiola serious headaches during his time in the Premier League and he is relishing this new version under Postecoglou.
Son Heung-Min is Spurs' main goal threat in Sunday's big match
The Catalan once referred to them as 'the Harry Kane team' – a comment that angered Maurico Pochettino – and refused to put himself in a similar corner in relation to Son Heung-min.
“I wouldn't make a mistake, otherwise my colleagues would be angry with me,” Guardiola laughed. “You see his team and the manager's influence is there. You see Antonio Conte's Spurs, you see the stamp.
'I'm not saying one is better than the other. It doesn't matter what the result or the opponent is, they do what they have to do. I like that.
“I think this is such an incredible advertisement for our game and our sport. It's always fun to watch. It's impossible not to see an interesting match if both teams want to give it a try.'